***Official USMNT Thread***

brett108

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2010
5,191
2,075
113
Tulsa, OK
It’s just a crappy way to give up a penalty for something so irrelevant. I get that the defenders need to be more disciplined in keeping their arms down, but with how hard it is to get a goal at this level that just seems really weak. If this were on an actual shot on goal, then fine. But the ball was just loose and there was no play on the goal. I just don’t like the rule.
This isn’t a judgement call. That’s a handball every single time. Keep your arms against your body in the box. Period.
 

brett108

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2010
5,191
2,075
113
Tulsa, OK
So, who starts at the striker against Panama?
Spends on how good you think they are. If we can convince Ferreira they’re bad, let him go. If we are talking about how good they are you might continue with Cowell or Vasquez. I’m not sure why Pepi wasn’t included on the squad.
 

Gunnerclone

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
69,464
69,503
113
DSM
Spends on how good you think they are. If we can convince Ferreira they’re bad, let him go. If we are talking about how good they are you might continue with Cowell or Vasquez. I’m not sure why Pepi wasn’t included on the squad.

He just moved iirc
 

brett108

Well-Known Member
May 1, 2010
5,191
2,075
113
Tulsa, OK
7/7/2023 he moved to Eindhoven.
Well that's good for his career. Its weird that we actually have options at this position at this point. While it sometimes seems like its 1 step forward and then two back, the amount of talent coming from the youth in the states seems better than ever.
 

mj4cy

Asst. Regional Manager
Staff member
Mar 28, 2006
31,237
13,673
113
Iowa
Should never have been that close but wow what drama and a fun game to watch.
 

Clonefan32

Well-Known Member
Nov 19, 2008
21,890
22,980
113
This isn’t a judgement call. That’s a handball every single time. Keep your arms against your body in the box. Period.

I don't disagree it's a handball by the letter of the law. But I also think it's bizarre to require a defender to defend with their hands their sides. Can you imagine in basketball if you couldn't have your arms out when you defend? Or if a linebacker had to run around with his arms connected to his sides? Having your arms out is a big part of being balanced.
 

3TrueFans

Just a Happily Married Man
Sep 10, 2009
59,625
53,810
113
44
Ames
I don't disagree it's a handball by the letter of the law. But I also think it's bizarre to require a defender to defend with their hands their sides. Can you imagine in basketball if you couldn't have your arms out when you defend? Or if a linebacker had to run around with his arms connected to his sides? Having your arms out is a big part of being balanced.
You can use your hands in those sports though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: psycln11

keepngoal

OKA: keepingoal
Staff member
Bookie
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Jun 20, 2006
38,394
22,766
113
Too cute on O. Midfield over extended… panama loves that.
 

Clonehomer

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2006
22,258
18,044
113
So with Vazquez and Cowell starting tonight, who’s going to come in and give that energy at the 60+ minute mark? Feels like we need to get a lead before that or this is going to be problematic.
 

keepngoal

OKA: keepingoal
Staff member
Bookie
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Jun 20, 2006
38,394
22,766
113
Our back line is played by children.